This is the protocol for Felipe and Letizia when they travel: blood bags, special drinks and mourning clothes so that what happened to Elizabeth II doesn’t happen to them

Felipe VI, in Infobae montage. (Photos: Europa Press/Casa Real)

The Spanish royal family did not want to miss the 2024 Olympic Games and traveled to the French capital to enjoy top-level sport. During these two weeks, we have seen how the kings showed their support for the Spanish athletes. First came the Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofía, who were seen for the first time at the Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz men’s doubles tennis tournamentwith whom they chatted after the meeting and showed great complicity in front of the cameras. Letizia has also been the protagonist, especially after a viral meeting with the Spanish press. And finally, last Monday, August 5, it was the turn of Felipe VI, who traveled from Mallorca to the Parisian city and enjoyed the games with his protected, Amanda from Hollandwith whom she showed complicity and affection as she helped her in her first year living in Madrid.

The monarch only spent three days in Paris, and although any non-royal person can afford to bring a carry-on bag to spend 48 hours in another country, the protocol of the kings is very demanding and They don’t travel if something is missing from their seven-point checklist which details the magazine Week. Some of the measures can be considered whims, but the most important ones must be complied with for safety or health reasons. We explain them all below:

The Spanish royal family follows a meticulous medical protocol on all their trips, even within the Community of Madrid. One of the most notable aspects of this protocol is the prescription to always carry a blood reserve of King Felipe and Queen Letizia to deal with possible emergencies. This strict security measure was revealed by The Salamanca Diary during a visit by the Queen to the city. This precaution ensures that, should any eventuality occur requiring an urgent transfusion, the necessary resources will be available to deal with the situation.

Queen Letizia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. (EFE/Juanjo Martín)

This type of measure is not surprising given the high level of preparedness and the numerous contingencies that are considered in the official activities of the Spanish monarchy. However, it is not common for this type of information to be revealed to the public, which demonstrates the particular interest of the media in the security and well-being of the monarchy. Spanish Royal Family. Generally, These kinds of details are confined to a very closed circle. of personal trust.

This rule arose as a result of the fact that Juan Carlos I is A-, a rare blood type and which only 8% of the Spanish population has. In Letizia’s case, she is in the 0+ group, which is one of the most common, so she would not have such a problem if a transfusion were necessary. But prevention is better than cure, so the queen’s blood bag always travels with her.

Continuing with the measures related to the health and safety of the kings, another essential measure is that there is always an ambulance available for any emergency. This is the case at every event in which they participate, it is located in the vicinity of the venue and remains there until the event concludes. This medical device not only covers public events, but also includes travel, from your arrival at the airport to your accommodation at the hotel or any other place you need to visit.

In addition to the ambulance, the medical protocol of the Royal House This includes the presence of a team of health professionals who accompany the King and Queen on their travels. This team is made up of specialized doctors and nurses ready to respond to any emergency that may arise during public events or the monarchs’ private trips.

Queen Letizia, Infanta Sofia, Irene of Greece, Leonor de Borbón, Tatiana Radziwill, Queen Sofia, Jean Henry Fruchaud and King Felipe IV arrive at the “Mía” restaurant to enjoy a relaxed dinner (Raúl Terrel / Europa Press)Raúl Terrel / Europa Press | Europa Press

The logistics behind these medical deployments are complex and require precise coordination with the local authorities of the place visited. Part of this coordination involves ensuring that transport routes and places of stay have easy and rapid access for medical services.

On every State trip, medical protocols for members of the Royal Family include: Constant availability of hospital rooms, both in the emergency department and on the wardThis is a non-negotiable condition that guarantees the safety and well-being of the monarchs while they are away from home. It may be two different rooms, one for each one, and they must be available both in the emergency areas and on the ward, ensuring complete and immediate care in any situation.

The family tree of the Spanish Royal Family

Medical protocols not only cover minor or priority eventualities, but also allow for a rapid response to any health complications that members of the Royal Family may experience during their official engagements, thus reinforcing the security and prevention measures in their itineraries. It should be noted that these measures are not limited only to members of the current monarchical family, but also extend to other members who may accompany them on their international trips, expanding the security network to all those who are part of the Royal Family.

During their recent state visit to Denmark, Felipe and Letizia requested special conditions to guarantee their security and privacy. The monarchs have established the need to have an exclusive room and bathroom for their use, without the presence of other people on the floor where they are staying. The decision of the King and Queen demonstrates their constant concern to maintain a high level of security and privacy, especially when they are away from their usual residence in the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid. These not only ensure your peace of mind, but also that of your security team and the staff accompanying you.

Such requests are not unusual for leaders or high-profile figures on international trips. However, the strictness of the measures required by the Spanish King and Queen demonstrates the level of caution maintained during their official visits.

Whenever a member of the british royal family leaves the country, he takes with him a dark outfit for any mourning eventuality, and this rule is also applied by the Spanish monarchy. This protocol practice ensures that, in the event of the death of a relative during the trip, the royals’ attire will be appropriate upon their return.

The origin of this rule lies in an episode that occurred in 1952, when the Queen Elizabeth II was found on an official trip in Kenya. During his stay, his father died, King George VIand not wearing mourning clothes, had to wait on the plane until they brought her appropriate attire so she could disembark in London. This setback marked a before and after in the protocol rules of the British royal house.

The King and Queen, in March, attending to bid farewell to Fernando Gómez-Acebo. (EUROPA PRESS)Europa Press

Since then, any member of the royal family must include a black suit or mourning dress in their luggage as a precaution. Although this is a mandatory regulation by the British Crownit is likely that the spanish monarchy and other European royal courts also adopt similar measures to respect protocol in unforeseen events.

Felipe VI He has a particular fondness for a drink that he can’t miss on any of his trips abroad: tomato juice. During his trips outside Spain, the monarch always requests this drink before starting any formal or institutional event. This is because he knows that he will be constantly busy at events, which prevents him from eating in the same way as the rest of those present. It has become a strategy to stay nourished and avoid hunger during long days.

Tomato juice is a practical solution that provides certain nutrients, allowing Felipe VI to maintain his energy and concentration while fulfilling his commitments in representing the country. This habit is not simply a question of taste but also of practicality and health.

Letizia also has her own well-defined preferences when it comes to drinks. Although she is known for her fondness for that kombuchaevery time you travel to Catalonia has a specific request for his team: it cannot be missing the Vichy Catalan accompanied by a slice of lemon. This habit came to light a few years ago and she has maintained this preference during her visits to the region ever since. This trivial detail highlights a personal and cultural connection that the queen maintains with the local customs of Catalonia.